Chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Eastern Ethiopia: Clinical characteristics and determinants of cirrhosis.

Background: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection is a major cause of liver-associated morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-income countries. A better understanding of the epidemiological, clinical, and virological characteristics of CHB will guide appropriate treatment strategies and improve the control and management of CHB in Ethiopia.

Aim: To investigate the characteristics of CHB in Eastern Ethiopia and assess the efficacy and safety of antiviral treatment.